sedimentary
Leopard Skin Jasper
Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 6.5 to 7; displays distinct circular orbicular patterns in beige, brown, red, and black; waxy to vitreous luster with no cleavage.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Leopard Skin Jasper in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7; displays distinct circular orbicular patterns in beige, brown, red, and black; waxy to vitreous luster with no cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed in sedimentary environments through the hydrothermal deposition of silica-rich fluids filling cavities or fractures in volcanic rock, typically dating from the Precambrian to Cenozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Widely used in lapidary arts for making cabochons, beads, decorative carvings, and polished display specimens.
Geological facts
The distinctive spotted pattern is created by mineral impurities such as iron oxides diffusing into the silica gel during the slow crystallization process.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic leopard-like spots and opaque, multicolored matrix; commonly sourced from Mexico, Brazil, and Africa.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossil-bearing concretion, possibly containing a fossil shell or other organic inclusion
Calcareous concretion; exact fossil and host-rock composition are not identifiable from the image
fossil
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary